This weekend, February 11-13 is the second annual National Preach-In on Global Warming. Sponsored locally by NC Interfaith Power & Light (a program of the North Carolina Council of Churches), we are inviting faith communities throughout our state to spend some time exploring their religious response to climate change and what that means in real world action. It’s not too late to register (follow the links from NC IPL) and be counted as a faith community that recognizes that care of Creation is a core theological concept in all major religions. By participating in the Preach-In, people of faith acknowledge this and send a message to the world that they understand that taking decisive action to curb climate change and restore the health and integrity of the climate system is a matter of faith and faithfulness to God, the Creator of this amazing and imperiled world.
We are also asking you to let our Senators know that as individuals of faith, we consider it a moral obligation to be good stewards of Creation and build a clean energy future to help heal the planet. Unfortunately, there is a strong movement in the US Congress right now to block EPA’s ability to administer the Clean Air Act which has protected America’s health and cleaned up air pollution for over 40 years, and now, according to the Supreme Court, has the authority to regulate greenhouse gasses. We hope that our Senators will receive thousands of Valentines and phone calls from people of faith, asking them to oppose these efforts to eliminate the EPA’s ability to protect and restore the environment for ourselves and future generations. The Senators need to hear from us in large numbers. Please consider downloading the Preach-In materials including the lovely Valentine Postcards and bulletin inserts for this Sunday. Set up a table at coffee hour and encourage your fellow worshipers to join you in asking our elected officials to do what is right for the people, for the planet and what we are called to do as we seek to Love God and heal the Earth.
—Kathy Shea, Director NC IPL
